In the still fading day

In the still fading day
           rain is falling
falling still
           into the earth
into the intricate roots
           of the mighty oak and elm
I’ve known since I was a child
           their bare black boughs
thrusting eagerly today
           into dull grey air

Down by the river
           through a dense thicket
I see a kingfisher
           resting on a branch
unaware of my presence
           and by the water’s edge
two voles playing catch
           if catch can
living the life of endless
           innocent time

In the still fading day
           rain is falling
falling still
           and a love lurks
in that corner of my heart
           that longs to understand
what cannot be understood
           and I splash cadmiums
random reds yellows and blue
           on a drum-taut canvas
and the rain is falling still
           still falling rain

John Lyons